Ford Territory Dark Edition (2025) Review
Ford South Africa launched its family-oriented Ford Territory last year with great success. A total of 2,123 Territory models were sold in the first nine months in the local market, marking it as a successful launch into the SUV space.
Now, Ford has raised the bar for this spacious sport utility vehicle (SUV) with the launch of the Territory Dark Edition. The exclusive, top of the range variant replaces the Titanium model at the top end of the lineup. The new edition merges sophisticated aesthetics with innovative design to set it apart in a very competitive and fast-growing segment.
Upmarket looks, inside and out
With unique exterior and interior accents matched to a smooth, technology-enhanced driving experience that includes a new 360-degree camera, this limited-run model is an exciting addition to the Territory family.
The Territory Dark Edition turns heads with its athletic exterior. Eye-catching black accents and trimmings give this family SUV a standout sophistication and appeal. From the front, its satin black grille, combined with the high-gloss black treatment for the skid plate, fog lamp accents and mirror caps give the Territory a bolder, more assertive visual presence.
From the side, the Dark Edition’s dynamic character becomes even more apparent with the fitment of 19-inch Ebony Black alloy wheels that add an even sportier flair, matched to the high-gloss black finish for the roof and integrated roof rails, lower guard trim strip, window trim and the distinctive black “Territory” badge at the rear.
The Dark Edition is available in four colours: Star White, Lustrous Grey, Panther Black and Ruby Red.
Inside the cabin, the Territory Dark Edition’s charcoal black headliner and pillars are set against black leather perforated seats, door trims and instrument panel inserts with Cyber Orange stitching. It’s a contemporary look and feel that reinforces the luxury, family-oriented vehicle space the Territory plays in.
For the cockpit drivers get a 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster in combination with a 12.3-inch landscape infotainment touchscreen. A Bluetooth audio system is standard in combination with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, linked to eight speakers.
The Territory is a hobbyist’s and parent’s dream come true. The SUV boasts ample space in the back for all your golf clubs, sports bags, shopping, and more. Plus, additional storage solutions offer clever, out of sight spaces to store things like your handbag, keys, smartphone, and other valuables while you’re on the move.
Behind the wheel
Under the bonnet of the Territory Dark Edition is the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that is available in the rest of the Territory line-up. The engine produces 138kW of power matched to 318Nm of torque and is equipped with Auto Start-Stop to further reduce fuel consumption.
The EcoBoost engine is matched to an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that delivers exceptional responsiveness and performance while maximising fuel economy – whether tackling the daily commute or taking the family away on holiday. Gear selection is by means of a rotary e-Shifter located in the centre console, in combination with an electronic parking brake.
With its four selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain), the Territory lets drivers tailor their driving experience across a range of situations, whether driving in stop-and-go traffic, along the open highway, or on hilly terrain.
I drove the Territory for a week, falling in love with the smooth driving experience and luxury interior. The gearbox took a bit of getting used to and I found the brakes quite sharp at first, but after a day of cruising around I adapted to the mechanics of the Territory. The Territory truly shines when you open up on a longer road. It’s an effortless and comfortable cruiser on the highway while in-cabin noise cancellation makes traffic-heavy commutes a lot more bearable.
Safety first
The Territory offers an extensive range of top-notch safety features. This includes the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Assist.
Unique to the Territory Dark Edition is a new 360-degree camera that provides all-round visibility. I found this new addition supremely helpful, especially when trying to park in tight parking spaces and manoeuvring around obstacles.
Additional driver assistance features include Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control and Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
A total of six airbags are provided, comprising dual front side, and curtain airbags, while vehicle security is taken care of with the smart key Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS) with a Thatcham-grade alarm system and immobiliser.
Pricing
The Territory Dark Edition 1.8L EcoBoost 7AT is available at a recommended retail price of R733 000 (includes VAT).
After market service and maintenance
As with all new Ford vehicles, the Territory comes with a six-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
Customers have the option of purchasing Ford Protect Service or Maintenance Plan upgrades up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
To optimise customer convenience when it comes to scheduled maintenance, Ford owners have access to online service bookings, 60-minute Express Service, free vehicle pick-up and delivery as well as mobile servicing in selected areas as some of the innovative value-added features that are available.
The recommended Retail Price includes a six-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. In addition, over the counter (OTC) parts and service parts warranty (SPW) are covered for two-year/unlimited distance. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Customers have the option of purchasing Ford Protect Service or Maintenance Plan upgrades up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
